There is drought and there is drought. When you get hordes of people moving into the state, stopping the building of dams, and diverting water from orchards to protect the snail darter, then in fairly normal rainfall years, you have a drought. This year was an exception, it was a real drought, with little rain through last winter. So far, it appears to be continuing. We generally have a few storms by now, but so far we have not had any rain and the temperature is hot. The lakes are low and the water table is falling. If we get a repeat of last winter, we will be in very serious trouble. The nation will be also since California produces a significant portion of the food supply including fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, nuts, and seeds.
And, yes, the forests are suffering from insufficient water. Another real drought this winter will set the stage for fires like we have never experienced. Sounds like prophecy being fulfilled. Look up, our redemption draweth nigh!